Neg&#39;ator spring powered underwater launching device

ABSTRACT

A launching mechanism is provided for ejecting a small buoy from a high  sd deep depth submersible. The buoy is held in place and constrained by a pair of latch levers that lock into a groove in the buoy tail piece. The latch levers are held in place by locking pins. On launch a solenoid valve is operated allowing ambient sea pressure to actuate a release system. The sea pressure retracts a release piston assembly to which the locking pins are attached. Upon withdrawal of the locking pins, the latch levers are released by the force of neg&#39;ator ejection springs. The ejection springs accelerate an open ended cage containing the buoy through a four foot displacement. The buoy strikes a plunger actuating a muzzle plug release mechanism that permits ejection of the buoy from the launch cage.

STATEMENT OF GOVERNMENT INTEREST

The invention described herein may be manufactured and used by or forthe Government of the United States of America for governmental purposeswithout the payment of any royalties thereon or therefor.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to launchers and moreparticularly to a system for ejecting a small buoy at deep depths from asubmerged submarine traveling at any speed within the submarinescapability.

Prior systems are capable of performing similar functions at onlyshallow depths and low platform speeds. These are normallyhydro-pneumatic or gas generated powered launchers. The limitations anddisadvantages generally associated with these prior art devices arelarge power requirements, high noise levels, lack of simplicity, lowvehicle exit velocity and uneven inefficient ejection force applied tothe buoy resulting in less efficient systems for attaining a specificexit velocity.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is therefore a general object of the present invention to provide animproved launcher. In addition the system is to be compact and suitablefor use at high speeds and deep depths. Further objects are that thesystem be self-contained and provide a quiet launch, efficient use ofpower, safe operation, low cost, long life and reliability. These andother objects of the invention and the various features and details ofconstruction and operation will become apparent from the specificationand drawings.

This is accomplished in accordance with the present invention byproviding a projectile that is accelerated inside a launching cage andemitted underwater from a deep depth submersible. The projectile thenrises to the surface of the water. The launching cage is accelerated inresponse to predetermined conditions by neg'ator springs. Ahydraulically operated latching mechanism triggers the system byreleasing its restraint on the buoy and launching cage. The latchingmechanism has both electrical and hydraulic actuators. The system has amuzzle capable of inhibiting the inward flow of water or ice to thesystem but which cannot withstand the outward impact of the projectileduring launch.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a view of the launching device located in an underwatersubmersible vehicle;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the buoy shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a view partly in section of the release unit shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a view of the locking mechanism shown in FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a view of the launch cage partially shown in FIG. 3;

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing the springs attached to thelaunch cage on the guide rails in the launching device of FIG. 1; and

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the muzzle end of the launchingdevice of FIG. 1.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Referring now to FIG. 1, there is shown a launcher system 10 suitablefor ejecting a small buoy 12 from the sail 14 of a high speed, deepdepth submersible 15. A main tube 16 forms the outer shell of thelauncher 10 and houses all launcher assemblies. A release unit 20connected to the breach end of main tube 16 houses the control units forthe operation of the system.

Referring to FIG. 2 the buoy 12 comprises a buoy tail piece 40 connectedto a cylindrical shell 19. The buoy tail piece has an electricalconnector 37 and a circumferential groove 44.

In FIG. 3 there is shown a more detailed view of the release unit 20.The release unit 20 forms a totally enclosed and sealed assembly. Itincludes an electrical junction box 22 having a hermetically sealedwatertight connector 24 welded to box 22. A plurality of electricalwires 26 emanating from connector 24 pass through connectors 27 and 29into respective wire groups 26a and 26b for conducting electricalsignals to various launcher components. The pair of wires 26a areconnected to a solenoid firing valve 30 for electrically operating thevalve piston 32. The wires 26b connect to an umbilical shaft assemblyconnector 34 for providing electrical connection from the junction box22 to the buoy 12 for data input and function checking wires.

This umbilical shaft assembly connector 34 is fastened at its aft end tothe release unit housing 20 by means of a retention ring 35. The forwardend of the umbilical shaft assembly connector 34 passes into the buoytail piece 40 and plugs into buoy tail piece connector 37 (FIG. 2). Atlaunch, the buoy tail piece connector 37 disconnects from connector 34.Umbilical shaft assembly connector 34 provides a single, pulloutdisconnect to be utilized for electrical interface with the buoy 12.

A locking mechanism 36 including a pair of transverse latch levers 38restrain the buoy 12 by clamping onto groove 44 of the buoy tail piece40. The operation of this locking mechanism 36 is more clearly shown byreferring to FIGS. 2, 3 and 4. In an actual loading and launching cyclethe buoy tail piece 40 is drawn back spreading transverse latch levers38 which being spring loaded by spring assembly 42 clamp thecircumferential groove 44 in the buoy tail piece 40. The latch levers 38are then secured by tapered locking pins 46 attached to the end of arelease piston 48.

Referring once more solely to FIG. 3, there are shown ports 49a, 49b,50a and 50b for admitting seawater to opening 51. Upon operation ofsolenoid valve 30, valve piston 32 is actuated allowing the sea water inopening 51 to flow through a filtered inlet 58 and passage tubes 54 and55 to operate release piston 48. The water from passage 54 enters achamber 56 and pushes plunger 60, thereby forcing release piston 48 inthe aft direction. This withdraws tapered locking pins 46 from thelatches 38 allowing the release of buoy tail piece 40.

As a backup system for launch initiation, a rupture disc valve 62 hasalso been included in the system. The rupture disc valve 62 ishydraulically interfaced to release piston 48 through opening 64 tochamber 56. A rupture disc 63 functions when the ambient sea pressure,entering inlet port 65, exceeds a predetermined minimum. This admitsambient sea pressure to operate the release piston 48 in the same manneras solenoid valve 30.

A combination dirt and high frequency shock filter 66 is incorporated atrupture disc 62 inlet port 65 in order to preclude malfunctioning of thedisc 62 due to orifice clogging or high pressures caused by near missexplosions.

Locking pins 68 are inserted in apertures 70 in side plates 75 of launchcage 72 when the system is primed for launch during dockside preparationfor submarine installation. These pins 68 provide a positive stop onlaunch cage 72 to prevent firing of the cage 72 regardless of theoperation of locking mechanism 36. To activate the system for normaloperation the pins 68 are withdrawn from apertures 70 at time ofsubmarine installation.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the launch cage 72. An end plate 73 isconnected to four side plates 75 by means of bolts 77. The side plates75 have apertures 70 for previously described locking pins 68. Each sideplate 75 accommodates a launch catapult plate 78. Each plate 78 hasthree pairs of apertures 79 for riveting neg'ator constant force powersprings 74 (FIGS. 6 and 7) to plate 78.

For a further description of the system refer now to all the figures.FIG. 7 is an extension of FIG. 3 with intermediate lengths omitted. FIG.7 is drawn to a smaller scale than FIG. 3. Motivation of the launch cage72 is provided by a plurality of constant force power springs 74 whichare attached by rivets 76 to the launch catapult plate 78 of launch cage72. In addition, the main tube 16 contains four molded guide rails 80which serve as a launch runway for the cage 72 that is holding buoy 12.

Groups of three power springs 74 form a power spring assembly 82. Thespring assemblies 82 are located near the muzzle opening 84 of thelauncher 10 at four positions on the cross-sectional circumference,equally spaced at 90° positions between the four guide rails 80. Whenthe release unit 20 is operated, the launch cage 72 is accelerated alongthe rails 80 toward the muzzle end opening 84 of the launcher 10. Ametal stop 86 resting on a cylindrical rubber bumper 88 provides acushioned stop for the launch cage 72. The rubber bumper 88 is affixedto a top cover 90 which is bolted to the main tube 16 by means of bolts92.

A fairing cap 94 and pop-out muzzle plug assembly 96 are mounted on thetop cover 90. The fairing cap 94 is secured by means of bolts 95. Thecap 94 and plug 96 provide a hydrodynamic fairing into the submersible15 in which the launcher 10 is mounted. The cap 94 provides the frontmount of the launcher.

The actuation of the pop-out muzzle plug assembly 96 is caused by thebuoy 12 as it is passing through an aperture 98 in top cover 90 strikingand depressing a plunger 100. As plunger 100 moves forward a neck 102aligns itself with pins 104. The pins 104 are forced inward away fromtapered groove 106 of fairing cap 94 as the buoy 12 momentum forces plugassembly 96 forward. Muzzle plug assembly 96 is now free of restraint tobe ejected with buoy 12.

For an overall description of the launching of the buoy 12 refer againto all the figures. Prior to operation, the locking pins 68 have beenremoved and the transverse latches 38 of locking mechanism 36 areclamped onto the circumferential groove 44 on buoy tail piece 40 therebyholding both the buoy 12 and launch cage 72 in place. The holding of thetail piece 40 overcomes the force exerted by power springs 74 trying tothrust the launch cage 72 forward.

The launch is then initiated by either operation of the solenoid valve30 or rupture disc valve 62. Either causes the flow of sea water intochamber 56. This forces the release piston 48 to move aft withdrawingtapered locking pins 46 from transverse latches 38. This releases buoytail piece 40. Power springs 74 then thrust the launch cage 72 and thecaptured buoy 12 toward the muzzle opening 84 along rails 80. Stop 86halts launch cage 72 but does not obstruct buoy 12. Buoy 12 strikesplunger 100 actuating pop-out muzzle plug assembly 96. Buoy 12 alongwith muzzle plug assembly 96 are ejected from the launcher 10.

There has therefore been described a system for manually ejecting asmall buoy 12 from a submersible 15 or for the automatic operation ofthe ejection after the sea water has reached some predeterminedpressure. The system is suitable for all speeds and depths normallyencountered and for depths in excess of those normally encountered.

It will be understood that various changes in the details, materials,steps and arrangements of parts, which have been herein described andillustrated in order to explain the nature of the invention, may be madeby those skilled in the art within the principle and scope of theinvention as expressed in the appended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. An underwater launching device comprising:a buoyadaptable for underwater launch; a cage having an opening at one end,said cage adapted to hold said buoy prior to launch; restraining andrelease means positioned for restraining said buoy and said cage priorto launch and for initiating launch by releasing said buoy and saidcage; acceleration means connected to said cage for accelerating saidcage and said buoy upon release of said buoy; guide means aligned withsaid cage for guiding said cage a predetermined distance upon operationof said acceleration means; deceleration means aligned with said cagefor stopping said cage after said cage has been guided by said guidemeans the predetermined distance; and muzzle pop-out plug means alignedwith said buoy for providing protection to said buoy from externalforces prior to launch and for ejecting with negligible obstruction anddegradation to said buoy at launch, said muzzle pop-out plug meansfurther comprises a muzzle plug release mechanism including a plungeraligned with said buoy, said mechanism adapted to be actuated when saidplunger is struck by said buoy and further including a pair of pinsadapted for gripping sidewalls prior to actuation and adapted forreleasing said sidewalls upon actuation, and a plug adapted forproviding protection to said buoy from external forces prior toactuation of said muzzle plug release mechanism and for ejecting withnegligible obstruction and degradation to said buoy upon actuation ofsaid muzzle plug release mechanism.
 2. An underwater launching devicecomprising:a buoy adaptable for underwater launch; a cage having anopening at one end, said cage adapted to hold said buoy prior to launch;restraining and release means positioned for restraining said buoy andsaid cage prior to launch and for initiating launch by releasing saidbuoy and said cage; acceleration means connected to said cage foraccelerating said cage and said buoy upon release of said buoy; guidemeans aligned with said cage for guiding said cage a predetermineddistance upon operation of said acceleration means; deceleration meansaligned with said cage for stopping said cage after said cage has beenguided by said guide means the predetermined distance, said decelerationmeans further includes a cylindrically shaped stop having an aperturelarger than said buoy and smaller than said cage, and a cylindricalrubber bumper abutting and axially aligned with said stop for absorbingshock forces on said stop; and muzzle pop-out plug means aligned withsaid buoy for providing protection to said buoy from external forcesprior to launch and for ejecting with negligible obstruction anddegradation to said buoy at launch.
 3. An underwater launching devicecomprising:a buoy adaptable for underwater launch; a cage having anopening at one end, said cage adapted to hold said buoy prior to launch;restraining and release means positioned for restraining said buoy andsaid cage prior to launch and for initiating launch by releasing saidbuoy and said cage, said restraining and release means further includesa rupture disc valve adapted to restrain sea water prior to the seawater pressure exceeding a predetermined level and to conduct the seawater upon the sea water pressure exceeding the predetermined level, arelease piston assembly hydraulically connected to said rupture discvalve, said release piston assembly being actuated upon the conductionof sea water by said rupture disc valve, and a latch mechanism connectedto said release piston assembly, said latch mechanism positioned torestrain said buoy and said cage prior to actuation of said releasepiston assembly and for releasing said buoy and said cage upon actuationof said release piston assembly; acceleration means connected to saidcage for accelerating said cage and said buoy upon release of said buoy;guide means aligned with said cage for guiding said cage a predetermineddistance upon operation of said acceleration means; deceleration meansaligned with said cage for stopping said cage after said cage has beenguided by said guide means the predetermined distance; and muzzlepop-out plug means aligned with said buoy for providing protection tosaid buoy from external forces prior to launch and for ejecting withnegligible obstruction and degradation to said buoy at launch.
 4. Anunderwater launching device comprising:a buoy adaptable for underwaterlaunch; a cage having an opening at one end, said cage adapted to holdsaid buoy prior to launch; restraining and release means positioned forrestraining said buoy and said cage prior to launch and for initiatinglaunch by releasing said buoy and said cage, said restraining andrelease means further includes a solenoid valve adapted to restrain seawater prior to actuation and to conduct sea water upon actuation, arelease piston assembly hydraulically connected to said solenoid valve,said release piston assembly being actuated upon the conduction of seawater by said solenoid valve, and a latch mechanism connected to saidrelease piston assembly, said latch mechanism positioned to restrainsaid buoy and said cage prior to actuation of said release pistonassembly and for releasing said buoy and said cage upon actuation ofsaid release piston assembly; acceleration means connected to said cagefor accelerating said cage and said buoy upon release of said buoy;guide means aligned with said cage for guiding said cage a predetermineddistance upon operation of said acceleration means; deceleration meansaligned with said cage for stopping said cage after said cage has beenguided by said guide means the predetermined distance; and muzzlepop-out plug means aligned with said buoy for providing protection tosaid buoy from external forces prior to launch and for ejecting withnegligible obstruction and degradation to said buoy at launch.